3 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes into Sea Near Wonsan After Striking Obstacle (44-34405)

Wonsan, North KoreaFlight

On May 5, 1951, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-34405) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Wonsan, North Korea in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with an obstacle resulting in propeller damage and loss of control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a bombing mission struck an obstacle over Wonsan, damaging a propeller. The aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea 3 km east of the city. Three crew members were killed, one was rescued.

Incident Overview

On the evening of May 4, a twin-engine aircraft departed from Daegu on a bombing mission to the city of Wonsan. While conducting the attack at low altitude, the aircraft struck an obstacle, which damaged one of its propellers. Following the impact, the pilot attempted to leave the target area, but the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea about three kilometers east of Wonsan.

Crew and Casualties

The aircraft carried four crew members. According to the official record, one crew member was rescued, while the other three were killed. The crew members were:

  • S/Sgt John V. Chitwood
  • 1st Lt Douglas B. Kern (†)
  • Cpt Norbert W. Kirkpatrick
  • Cpt Robert Martin Jr. (†)

The dagger symbols indicate those who perished.

Aftermath

The source provides no additional information regarding the rescue operation, the specific identities of the rescued and deceased, or any subsequent investigation. The incident remains documented as a wartime accident during the bombing campaign.

Probable cause

Collision with an obstacle resulting in propeller damage and loss of control.